Nick at Nite heats up the summer with stardom, romance and deceit with the premiere of the nightly primetime drama, Hollywood Heights, and if that doesn’t already intrigue you then did we mention James Franco is also coming along for the ride!

The brand-new hour-long series which stars Cody Longo, Brittany Underwood and Carlos Ponce and none other than James Franco, who will star in a multi-episode storyline on the show is going to heat up your weeknights starting June 18 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Adapted for a U.S. audience from the wildly popular Mexican telenovela Alcanzar una Estrella, ‘Hollywood Heights’ follows the journey of a teenage girl whose life changes drastically when she becomes a star and wins the love of her rock and roll idol, and both are tested by setbacks, heartbreak and deception. The first season of the 80-episode series, co-produced with Televisa in association with Sony Pictures Television, will again air weeknights at 9p.m. through October 2012.

“Hollywood Heights, in the great tradition of telenovelas, serves up relatable characters and compelling storylines that hook you and keep you coming back to see what happens next.” said Marjorie Cohn, Nickelodeon’s President, Development and Original Programming. “The stories are about love, family and following your dreams and summertime offers a great window for this kind of viewing commitment.”

‘Hollywood Heights‘ centers on Loren Tate (Brittany Underwood, One Life to Live), a shy teen whose musical aspirations inch closer to reality when she wins a songwriting contest sponsored by Eddie Duran (Cody Longo, Fame), a rock star at the top of his game. Although Loren and Eddie’s budding partnership – on-stage and off – faces obstacles, their strong family bonds inspire them to keep going.

Loren finds the support system she needs in her single mom, Nora (Jama Williamson, Parks and Recreation), as Nora returns to the dating scene for the first time in years. Meanwhile Eddie’s unbreakable bond with his father, Max (Carlos Ponce, Couples Retreat, telenovela actor/singer) – strengthened by family tragedy – is challenged by Eddie’s budding romance with a beautiful, but manipulative model and aspiring actress, Chloe Carter (Melissa Ordway, 17 Again). As Loren begins a meteoric rise on the music scene and Eddie’s star begins to fade, together they learn that the road to love and stardom often carries a heavy price tag. Justin Wilczynski (Kaya) also stars as Eddie’s bitter former friend, Tyler Rorke.

Actor James Franco will also join the fun and star in a multi-episode arc as Osborne “Oz” Silver, an eccentric movie mogul who lives life to the fullest, often outrageously. Offbeat, seductive and ruthless when he has to be, Oz adores making movies and does whatever it takes to make the films he wants.

On May 30, NickatNite.com will launch its Hollywood Heights show site, which will include a ‘Character Connection’ section for viewers to get to know the new series’ characters. After the series launch, the site will feature ‘Hollywood Heights‘ highlights with teasers for upcoming episodes, and recaps of the show’s best moments. Beginning June 1, the first episode of ‘Hollywood Heights‘ will be available for streaming on NickatNite.com, Facebook (facebook.com/HollywoodHeightsTV), and Nick@Nite On Demand.

The first episode will be available for free on iTunes beginning June 4. Additionally, the first five episodes of ‘Hollywood Heights‘ will be available for free download on iTunes, and streaming on Nick@Nite On Demand prior to its June 18 premiere.

So HollywoodLifers, Are you ready for ‘Hollywood Heights’? Its going to incredible and a must watch every night this summer! Set your DVR’s